Courtroom to Vineyard

One California lawyer turned wine producer shares her passion for the vineyard.

Growing up on a farm, Lindsay Hoopes knew early on that she would continue the legacy her father had established at Napa Valley’s Hoopes Vineyard. “There is something magical about working on a farm,” she says.

At her father’s behest, she took a job with another winery after college (followed by an intriguing career detour), before returning to the Oakville-based winery in 2012 to help out.

Ahead of her appearance at the Club this month, the 35-year-old discusses the “artistry, chemistry and magic” of the family business.

Best thing about being a winemaker.
Creating a product that has…an emotional connection to the people who consume it. People…celebrate the most important moments of life with wine. I also cannot think of any luxury product that is truly as farm to table.

Dream “other” job.
Prior to coming back to run the vineyard, I was a homicide prosecutor in the San Francisco District Attorney’s O∞ce. Although quite a departure from the vineyard, I can honestly say that it is one of the best jobs I can imagine, and if I were not working in the family business, there is no question that I would return to that vocation.

Best wine ever tasted.
It would be a toss-up between a 1947 López de Heredia and a 1982 Château Latour. I think the López de Heredia shocked me in that it was older than everyone at the table, the cork was perfect and there was absolutely no sediment. It also still had amazing body and structure. But the Latour was just the most incredible wine in terms of flavor and mouthfeel.

Dream drink partner.
I would have to either say my father or Tim Gaiser, master sommelier. My father because he taught me most of what I know about wine and has a true, innate passion and palate. He was the first person I drank with and the first person who helped me think about wine as an art and dynamic product, not just a beverage. I would say Tim Gaiser, a great friend, because he thinks so differently about wine and is an endless resource about every product, region or item on the market.

Favorite spot on the planet to drink wine.
Napa is pretty hard to beat, but since it is my backyard, I think I would have to say Italy. Each area has its own romance and unique series of grapes. Exploration throughout Italy is never-ending and, of course, the food makes the experience even more magical. 

Wine that changed your life.
Probably our first family vintage in 1999. That paved the way for creating a legacy of winemaking, not just farming, and cemented the fact that, as an only child, I was destined to carry on the torch.

Words Wendi Onuki

Hoopes Wine Dinner with Lindsay Hoopes
May 26
7–10pm
American Bar & Grill
¥12,000